This article presents a research experience which purpose was focused on the approach to the phenomenon of the exercise of power in public organizations, to characterize the nature of the same from the perspective of the needs of those who exercise rational authority within the organizational structure. The study follows a mixed approach, of descriptive type, supported by Likert scale tools and semi-structured interviews. The results portray a manager whose social interaction is largely dominated by the need for affiliation and whose is perceived by the collaborators as a reference leader.